On Wednesday, RISE medical marijuana dispensary opened its doors to Meadville, becoming the first medical marijuana dispensary in Crawford County.
"It's nice that it's finally getting to this area," said Leroy Nahey, Crawford County resident.
"We have access to medicine more quickly now, before I had to drive at least an hour away," said Aaron Minner, Venango County resident.
RISE medical dispensaries are all over Pennsylvania. But the facility's grand opening in Meadville on Wednesday is making medical marijuana accessible in Crawford County. There's even a drive-thru for convenience.
Jill Beck, the Director of Community Engagement of RISE said she wants to end the stigma against medical marijuana.
"I've seen firsthand the assistance that people get from using these products. We're definitely doing great thing for the community and we definitely want that to be reflective," said Jill Beck, the Director of Community Engagement of RISE.
Just across the state line into New York, that stigma doesn't hold much weight anymore. Recreational marijuana is now legal in New York state as of late Wednesday morning.
The mayor of New York City, Bill De Blasio announced the decision earlier today.
"The state legislature made history and legalized marijuana the right way," said Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York.
Local cannabis supporters hope this law trickles down into Pennsylvania.
“I think it's going to be a domino effect hopefully because I see a lot of benefits in it," said Leroy Nahey, Crawford County resident.
As a special way to celebrate the grand opening, RISE Meadville is donating 100% of Wednesday’s proceeds towards Women’s Services Inc. a non-profit in Meadville that helps victims of domestic and sexual violence.